Ex-Arsenal star Cole tips Gunners to win Premier League title
Former Ashley Cole has backed Arsenal to finally end their long wait for the Premier League title this season ahead of their clash with Everton at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal currently sit at the top of the Premier League standings with 67 points and eight matches remaining in the campaign.
The Gunners are closely followed by Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, who have 60 points and a game in hand.
The last time Arsenal lifted the league trophy was during the historic 2003/2004 campaign under Arsène Wenger, when the club went the entire season unbeaten.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Cole said he believes the current Arsenal squad have put themselves in a strong position to secure the title.
“Things are looking good for them. They look and solid,” Cole said. “They look like mentality monsters, they are not giving anything up. After two years, yeah, they should win it.”
“Football is a crazy sport and anything can happen but I think Arsenal have put themselves in a strong position at this point in the season.”
Despite their strong league position, Arsenal have faced criticism from some observers over their heavy reliance on goals from set-piece situations and an alleged lack of creativity from open play.
However, Cole dismissed those concerns, suggesting that set-piece efficiency can often be the decisive factor in title races.
“We all take about set-peices, that’s the extra five percent that could win you games and the Premier League,” he added. “I think they are going down the right route. They are in a great position and it is theirs to lose.”
Cole enjoyed a highly successful spell at Arsenal during his playing career, making 228 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals and providing 24 assists.
During that time, he helped the Gunners win two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and two Community Shields.
The 45-year-old, who now serves as assistant coach with the England national football team, believes the current Arsenal side have the experience and momentum needed to sustain their title challenge.
However, the Gunners still face a potentially decisive clash away to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium later in the season, a fixture that could have significant implications for the outcome of the title race.
With the season approaching its decisive phase, Arsenal will look to sustain their strong run of form when they take on Everton on Saturday.
The post Ex-Arsenal star Cole tips Gunners to win Premier League title first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.